Chronic Hypothermia Causes and Effects

Endocrine and Metabolic Causes

Hypopituitarism, a dysfunction of the pituitary gland, affects multiple hormone systems including thyroid regulation, contributing to chronic hypothermia 1
Hypoglycemia can impair thermoregulation and contribute to hypothermia, especially in diabetic patients 1
Advanced age reduces thermoregulatory capacity and impaired heat generation, making the elderly particularly vulnerable to chronic hypothermia 1
Alcohol use disorder causes vasodilation and impairs judgment regarding cold exposure, increasing the risk of chronic hypothermia 1

Chronic hypothermia can cause bradycardia, decreased cardiac output, and increased systemic vascular resistance, leading to cardiovascular effects 2
Chronic hypothermia can cause cold-induced diuresis initially, followed by decreased glomerular filtration rate with prolonged hypothermia, leading to renal effects 2
Chronic hypothermia impairs platelet function and coagulation factor activity, increasing bleeding risk, which is a hematological effect 2